Zakat, within the framework of Islamic Sharia, constitutes a fundamental pillar of economic and social justice. It is not merely a religious obligation but rather an intelligent distribution system aimed at achieving balance in society. Zakat legislation reflects the philosophy of participation and solidarity, encouraging Muslims to contribute a specific portion of their wealth to support the poor and needy.

Definition of Zakat: Linguistically, Zakat means growth and increase. Legally, it is a specific amount of money that is obligated to be given at a certain time to a specific category of Muslims.

The Ruling on Zakat:

The obligation of Zakat is derived from the Quran, as stated in Allah's words: ":{ وأقيمُوا الصَّلاةَ وآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ} Al-Nur (56)

the statement "Take, { خُذْ مِنْ أمْوالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وتُزَكِّيْهِمْ بِهَا} from Surah At-Tawbah (103), and { وَآتُوا حَقَّهُ يَوْمَ حَصَادهِا } from Surah Al-An'am (141), as well as { وَالَّذِينَ فِي أمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌ مَعْلومٌ لِلسَّائِل و اْلمَحْرُومِ }from Surah Al-Ma'arij (24-25).

Regarding the Sunnah, there is a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent Mu'adh to Yemen, he instructed him: "You are going to a people of the Book, so invite them to testify that there is no god but Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah. If they accept this, then inform them that Allah has enjoined upon them five prayers every day and night. If they accept this, then inform them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay Zakat from their wealth, which is to be taken from their rich and given to their poor." 

The Wisdom Behind Legislating Zakat:

The legislation of Zakat is driven by several principles and objectives, including achieving economic and social balance, supporting the poor and needy in society, directing wealth towards the less fortunate, and reflecting the concepts of social responsibility and solidarity in Islam.

Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam, and by fulfilling it, a Muslim becomes complete in their adherence to the faith. It is an action sought by every believer, as each Muslim aspires to complete their religion and achieve the noble goal of Islam.

The fulfillment of the Zakat obligation is an indication of the sincerity of the giver's faith. This sincerity is evident in their willingness to give, recognizing that wealth is beloved, and the act of charity expresses their genuine desire to attain the satisfaction of Allah.

Zakat is obligatory on whom?

1. Islam:Zakat is not obligatory on non-Muslims.

2. Freedom:It is not obligatory on slaves because they do not possess wealth. Note that slavery has been abolished in Islam in our time.

3. Complete Ownership: The wealth must be fully owned and stable with its possessor.

4. Productivity:The wealth should grow or have the potential for increase, such as livestock that reproduces, crops that yield fruits, growing trade, and money capable of growth.

5. Sufficiency for Essential Needs: The wealth should cover essential needs like food, drink, clothing, shelter, and the financial support of one's wife, children, and dependents.

6. Passage of a Lunar Year (Hawl): A lunar year must pass while the wealth reaches or exceeds the minimum threshold (Nisab). This is based on the Prophet's saying: "There is no Zakat on wealth until a lunar year passes over it."

   - Exception: Agricultural products and trade goods have their Zakat due at harvest or sale, respectively.

7. Pasture (Suum): It refers to grazing livestock without cost or burden. If the livestock graze freely most of the year and incur no significant expense, Zakat might not be obligatory, based on the hadith stating: "For every forty sheep, one ewe is due."

8. Ownership of Nisab:The person must possess wealth equal to or exceeding the minimum threshold (Nisab) set by Islamic law, and this threshold varies depending on the type of wealth.